Avan Jogia Weathered Teen Stardom. Now He Reveals How it ‘Dramatically’ Changed His Life in New Book “Autopsy ”(Exclusive)

Avan Jogia Reflects on Teen Stardom and the Impact on His Life in New Book ‘Autopsy’

Avan Jogia, a familiar face from his teenage years in Hollywood, has always felt like an outsider in the entertainment industry. Despite gaining fame as Beck Oliver on Nickelodeon’s Victorious, he managed to navigate celebrity culture without losing himself entirely.

Now 33, the Canadian actor has delved into various creative pursuits over the years, from making music to directing films. Jogia even released a collection of poetry in 2019 titled “Mixed Feelings,” exploring the complexities of being mixed-race. His latest work, “Autopsy,” released by Gallery Books, offers an introspective look into his experiences with sex, heartbreak, depression, and teenage stardom.

In a candid interview with PEOPLE, Jogia shares insights into his writing process, his evolving relationship with fame, and his upcoming role in the Amazon series “Obsession” alongside Dove Cameron.

Reflecting on the time it took to compile the poems for “Autopsy,” Jogia reveals that he has been writing poetry since he was 15, around the same time he began his journey on Victorious. The collection, spanning a decade, weaves together themes of self-discovery and cultural critique, shedding light on his growth as a person and artist.

Jogia explains that the central theme of “Autopsy” only crystallized in the past two years, prompting him to explore his past as a teen idol and his present reality. Through poetry, he dissects his journey from being a young television star to the person he is today, offering readers a glimpse into the complexities of fame and self-exploration.

One of the standout poems in the book, “Autopsia,” marks the beginning of Jogia’s exploration into the death of his teen heartthrob persona. He acknowledges the impossibility of clinging to that image in his 30s and opts for a metaphorical autopsy of his past experiences, particularly his time in the realm of children’s television.

Delving into sensitive topics such as suicidal thoughts and relationships with older women, Jogia’s poetry captures the nuances of human experiences. He emphasizes that life is inherently complex and exhausting, with poetry serving as a medium to observe and reflect rather than heal.

Addressing his brush with “teen idol worship,” Jogia acknowledges the challenges of being objectified and reduced to a fantasy by fans. He shares his vulnerability in recounting experiences where he grappled with being seen as an image rather than a multifaceted individual.

Looking to the future, Jogia expresses an interest in directing another film and pursuing his passion for painting. He also highlights the collaborative joy of working with his partner, Halsey, in creating meaningful art together.

Discussing his role in “Obsession,” Jogia reveals his fascination with psychosexual thrillers of the ’90s and the complexity of portraying morally ambiguous characters. He praises his co-star, Dove Cameron, for her dedication to storytelling and their shared commitment to delivering a compelling narrative.

As Jogia contemplates his evolving relationship with fame, he sees it as a tool to share his art rather than a measure of success. For him, connecting with audiences who resonate with his work holds more value than mere recognition or idolization.

“Autopsy” offers readers a glimpse into Avan Jogia’s introspective journey through poetry, inviting them to explore themes of identity, fame, and self-discovery. The book serves as a testament to his growth as an artist and a person, navigating the highs and lows of teenage stardom with candor and vulnerability.